Start Killer for Windows

Used Start Killer for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffSeptember 16, 2025

Sometimes the smallest desktop modifications can make a huge difference. That's certainly the case with Start Killer. Hiding the Windows Start menu doesn't seem like such a big deal, but getting rid of this not-particularly-necessary button can actually free up a lot of space on your Taskbar. Start Killer can hide and unhide your Start menu easily, ensuring that it's there when you need it and gone when you don't.

Start Killer is based on the premise that most people don't actually need the Start button on their desktop, since the Start menu can also be easily accessed using the Windows key on the keyboard or Ctrl-Esc. When Start Killer is first launched it places an icon in the system tray; right-clicking on it reveals options to load the program on startup, hide the system tray icon, and disable the Start menu entirely. When the program is running the Start button is hidden, helping to reduce clutter in your Taskbar and make room for windows you're actually using. If you need to access the Start button again, simply right-click the icon and exit. That's really all there is to Start Killer--there's no Help file and there are other features--but we like it for its simplicity. We think it's a great desktop modification if you frequently have a lot of windows open and could use some extra space in your task tray.

What’s new in version 7.0

Added Windows 8.1 support
Can used as portable
Added command line parameters to manage Start Killer

Start Killer for Windows

Used Start Killer for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: December 26, 2013

Latest update: September 16, 2025

Version: 7.0

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows ME
Windows Vista
Windows NT
Windows 98 SE
Windows 98
Windows XP
Windows 2000
Windows 2003

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 20,743

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.6/5

8 User Votes

Handy Program If You Need It
EddoomSeptember 9, 2011
Pros
Like the author above, I am too a minimalist when it comes to my desktop but I hide the taskbar and menu bars. I see no use to display either. This program is works very well though.
Cons
None cons that I can think of except it is kind of unnecessary.
Summary
Great for minimalists like me.
Nifty Little Program
brw36027September 7, 2011
Pros
Does what it says. Working perfectly on Win7 x64
Cons
None so far.
Summary
I was pleasantly surprised when I found this program. I am an avid minimalist when it comes to my desktop and this utility has definitely found a place in my heart. Be aware that it will ask if it can install additional software (toolbar, etc...) I simply unchecked that option and continued with the install.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Sep 13, 2011<p/>In response to DBone20's question, Task Manager indicates it is using 244k of memory.
It does it's job.
DatalyssJune 9, 2011
Pros
Does what it's supposed to...on 32-bit versions of Windows.
Cons
Doesn't work on 64-bit Windows.
Summary
The 64-bit version of Start Killer is available via the Tordex site.
I have it set to load at startup.
jayscalfJanuary 3, 2011
Pros
Gives you an extra space iin the taskbar. (it is based on the assumption that all modern keyboards have a "Windows" button.)
Cons
Uses a modest 4448KB to suppress the Start button.
Summary
This is undoubtablely one of the more useful of the cosmetic tweaks because the task bar does get filled up quickly. I have used this for several years and it does not contain virus/spyware, but you will have to add to ignore/whitelist on most virus/malware programs. It would have been nice if it didin't ave to stay in memory at all, but my research of XP documentation has not yeilded any indication that Windows supports this by a simple registry switch.
Excellent!
DatalyssAugust 22, 2008
Pros
Does exactly what it says, no more, no less.
Cons
None whatsoever.
Summary
Since "My Start Button" (which let's you change the name of the Start button) doesn't work with XPs "Classic" theme, I decide to download this to hide the Start button altogether. To access the menu, I just press the Win key (the one with the Windows logo) on my Dell keyboard.
December 11, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
This is SO GREAT !! the start button is USLESS when u have the win key! but what i didnt like is that when u chose to hide the start killer icon on the system tray the only why to get it back is by pressing ctrl+alt+shift+F12 !! too long ha ?? but i really recommend this ofr all windows users
Now that is slick
October 17, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
The "Start Menu" has annoyed since two days after Windows 95 was released. While the menu has evolved into a more useful too with future releases, now I have customized so much that the Start Button is rarely used. "Start Killer" is just what I was looking for.
September 14, 2004
Pros
Cons
Summary
All you do is open this and it adds more space to your toolbar.

Developer’s Description

Add room to your Taskbar by removing the Start button.

Start Killer is utility that removes the Start button from your taskbar. When you run Start Killer it remove the Start button from taskbar and give you additional space on taskbar, when you close Start Killer the Start button is again shows. Though the Start Button is removed, you can still open Start Menu using CTRL+ESC or WIN key. StartKiller place icon into system tray. Right-click on icon to close StartKiller or to open Settings dialog. You can remove icon from system tray. In this case use CTRL+ALT+SHIFT+F12 to open settings dialog box.